Our Neighborhood

Connecticut Avenue is where visitors come to see the National Zoo and historic embassies. As you tour this stretch of Connecticut Avenue, you'll discover a unique side of Washington history exhibited in the varied architectural styles found in the surrounding neighborhoods. When you need a break, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the avenue's eclectic mix of small restaurants, coffee houses, and one-of-a-kind shops.

The Dupont Circle/Kalorama Historic District is a primarily residential district. The area was developed in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century. Two types of housing predominate in the historic district: palatial mansions and freestanding residences built in the styles popular between 1895 and 1910; and three-and-four-story row houses, many of which are variations on the Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque Revival styles, built primarily before the turn of the century.

Today in this vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhood, you will find some of the city's finest museums and historic homes as well as an array of ethnic restaurants, unique bookstores, and the city's largest concentration of private art galleries.

Take a day to explore this cosmopolitan neighborhood. On your way, look for some of the city's finest Beaux Arts, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Queen Anne homes. Start your walk east or west of the circle at the center of the neighborhood, and when you're half way through, grab a bite, a cup of coffee, and find a bench on the Circle to watch the passing scene. Or stop at Sonny Bono park at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue, 20th & O Streets. Then continue your adventure.

Kalorama, sometimes referred to as "Kalorama Heights" or "Sheridan-Kalorama", is a well known component of the city's Embassy Row area. It is noted for its park-like setting, large single-family homes, spacious and elegant pre-war condominiums and coops and its prestige as a desirable address within Washington, D.C.

Presidents William Taft, Warren G. Harding, Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt all called the neighborhood home at some point in their public service lives. Woodrow Wilson, the only former President to choose Washington DC as his official residence immediately following his departure from office, chose the neighborhood for his home.

Considered Washington's premier residential address in the late 19th century and early 20th century, Embassy Row is about as eclectic an area as you can find in any city. Once mired in exclusivity, today many embassies have begun to sponsor public events to promote business and cultural interests of their countries. Here is a brief list of some of the countries represented on Embassy Row:

Founded in 1751, Georgetown predates Washington and didn't actually become part of the city until 1871. At the far end, between 35th St and 39th St, NW, you'll find the campus of prestigious Georgetown University. Wander down to the intersection of M St. and Wisconsin Avenue, and you'll be in the retail epicenter of Georgetown, with fashionable boutiques, designer stores, salons, and eateries. (Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at local favorite Georgetown Cupcake.) Venture a street or two away from the main avenues, and you'll find yourself deep in Washington's most elegant and historic residential neighborhoods – on quiet shaded cobblestone streets looking at Federal style houses built just after the Revolution. Stop by 2715 Q Street and visit Dumbarton Oaks, where Dolly Madison fled from the White House when the British invaded and the site of high-level diplomacy during World War II. Or take a peaceful walk along the C&O Canal where mules still lead the boats.

The U Street neighborhood is thriving with new shops, restaurants and music venues. Once known as "Black Broadway," U Street was a center of business and entertainment owned by African Americans in the 1920s. In 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the neighborhood was devastated by riots. The modest restaurant Ben's Chili Bowl famously stayed open throughout this difficult time and has become such a Washington institution that it was one of the first local eateries visited by newly elected President Obama. Always a musical hot-spot, the U Street area also features venues including the Lincoln Theatre, Howard Theatre, and Bohemian Caverns jazz club. The well-known 930 Club and the Black Cat club are also nearby.